Back from my road trip in Quebec, in winter, I start writing my articles with the surprising visit of Trois-Rivières, Quebec. Located between Montreal and Quebec, the city of Trois-Rivières will be an essential crossing point to reach these two cities. A stop for visit Trois-Rivieres can be a good idea, especially if you are traveling with family. Less known than the two main cities of Quebec, Montreal and Quebec (read my article on Visiting Quebec), Trois-Rivières nevertheless has many things to do and see. The city, of nearly 140 inhabitants, was even elected cultural capital of Canada in 000.
You will see, in this article, that there are many things to do in Trois-Rivières, even in winter, which is generally the least popular season for tourists wishing to visit Quebec.
Summary:
- Prepare your road trip in Quebec
- Visit Trois-Rivières: Discover its amazing history
- Visit Trois-Rivières: What to do in Trois-Rivières?
- Where to sleep in Trois-Rivière?
- Visit Trois-Rivières: Good addresses in Trois-Rivière
- My opinion on my visit to Trois-Rivières in Quebec
Prepare your road trip in Quebec
Let's start this article with some advice on preparing for your road trip in Quebec. Here are some links that can help you plan your trip.
Plane tickets:
The main points of arrival in Quebec are the cities of Montreal and Quebec. Several cities in France are directly connected to these two cities depending on the company and the time of year. For your search for plane tickets, I recommend using a flight comparator such as BudgetAir or Skyscanner.
Car rental :
Renting a vehicle remains the best way to discover Quebec. Some points of interest are sometimes far away and public transport, like the bus or the train, is underdeveloped in Quebec. Regarding your car rental in Quebec, you can also go to comparators like RentalCars or AirportsRental.
Book your accommodation:
As far as accommodation is concerned, depending on the time of year and the location, it will be strongly advised to plan ahead. For this, the essential Booking.com will be able to guide you.
Book your activities:
You can, like everywhere in the world, use the GetYourGuide site, which lists a large number of activities in the world and allows you to easily book and cancel your activities. In addition to this site, you can also contact and book the various activities and excursions chosen directly.
We will see, a little later in this article, that Trois-Rivières has many museums, some of which are not to be missed. I recommend that you opt for the “Museum Card” set up by Tourisme Trois-Rivières. This card, priced at $30 CAD (+taxes), gives you access to almost all of the city's museums as well as the tourist bus. The value of the card is approximately $90 CAD. For more information on the “Museum Card”, go to the Tourisme Trois-Rivières website.
Find information about Trois-Rivières:
If you are looking for information about visiting Trois-Rivières, schedules, prices or event dates, you can go to the official Trois-Rivières website: Tourisme Trois-Rivières.com.
Looking for an agency specializing in Quebec?If you are looking for a travel agency, I invite you to go to Imagine Canada, an agency specializing in the creation of tailor-made trips to Quebec. It is an agency that we met during a tourism fair organized each year in different cities in France and that we had the chance to test during our stay in Quebec. I can therefore, knowingly, recommend this agency which has the great advantage of creating, with you, the itinerary that will best suit your desires. Learn more
Visit Trois-Rivières: Discover its amazing history
A distant story
Visiting Trois-Rivières also means understanding its history. This dates back several centuries, long before the arrival of settlers on the territory. At the time, the region was a place of exchange between different Aboriginal peoples, the Algonquins and the Iroquoians.
The origin of the name Trois-Rivières: an error in judgment
Let's begin the history of Trois-Rivières with its discovery, around 1535, by the Frenchman Jacques Cartier. This one discovers the city during an expedition which aims to go up the St. Lawrence River. The name of the city derives from its geographical position. It is located at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River. It is from this precise place that the city of Trois-Rivières takes its name. Indeed, at this mouth there are several islands such as Île Saint-Christophe, Île Saint-Quentin and Île Caron. These different islands have the effect of misleading explorers coming from the St. Lawrence, suggesting the junction between three rivers and the St. Lawrence River. It is from these three "rivers" that the name "Trois-Rivières" comes, even if we have known for a long time that it is indeed only one river that flows into the Saint- Laurent there.
city development
The city grew over the centuries and grew in importance. First of all, she becomes the regional chief of Mauricie.
Trois-Rivières is also an important city from an educational point of view with the arrival, very early in its history, of the Ursulines, which we will discuss below. Trois-Rivières also hosts the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières.
It is above all on the economic level that the city is gaining importance. First of all, from its creation, with the trade of native products such as fur and wood. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, an important foundry was built, the Forges du Saint-Maurice, which brought the town into a new era.
Later, it is the wood and the development of the sawmills which will be at the origin of the important economic development of the city: the production of paper. This will be so important that Trois-Rivières will be named the newsprint capital of the world. Three production plants are set up in Trois-Rivières, including the largest in the world. Although Trois-Rivières still has two paper mills in operation, the town no longer has the status it once had.
The papermaking history of the city has shaped it and many testimonies of this past are still visible in the city. We will also talk about it below, in the section devoted to the essentials of a visit to Trois-Rivières.
Visit Trois-Rivières: What to do in Trois-Rivières?
The essentials of a visit to Trois-Rivières:- Old Trois-Rivières
- Ursuline Museum and Monastery
- Cathedral of Trois-Rivières
- Pop Museum
- Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
- Boréalis Museum and papermaking history of Trois-Rivières
- Maikan Aventure
- Île Saint-Quentin, the leisure island in the heart of Trois-Rivières
- The sugar shack, Chez Dany
- Kinipi SPA Nordique
- Cruise on the St. Lawrence from Trois-Rivières
- Seaplane or hydraski flight over La Mauricie National Park
- Short trip to Pointe-Du-Lac
- Popular festivals and events in Trois-Rivières
Old Trois-Rivières
Old Trois-Rivières is, as its name suggests, the historic district of the city. It is built on a hill, the Plato. It is on this that the fort of the city was built by Monsieur de Laviolette. The district of old Trois-Rivières has been a historic district of the city since 1964. This neighborhood is home to some of the oldest houses in Trois-Rivières. Some huge buildings were used by the notables of the city.
This district is crossed by the Chemin du Roy, a road that connects Montreal to Quebec. It is today the main street of Trois-Rivière. The places of interest are numerous in this district and make it one of the places not to be missed during a visit of Trois-Rivières.
Ursuline Museum and Monastery
Let's stay in the old Trois-Rivières district for a while and head towards rue des Ursulines to discover the monastery and the museum. The monastery, although it is still in operation, can be visited. A visit to the museum retraces the history of this unique place. The Ursulines arrived in 1697 to found the city's very first educational institution. I advise you to visit this place, even if the history of the Ursulines does not fascinate you, the monastery and in particular its dome are, for me, a must for a visit to Trois-Rivières.
Useful informationOpening Hours:
May to November: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
November to May: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Closed from 12 p.m. to 13 p.m.
Price: $ 5 CAD
Website : musee-ursulines.qc.ca
Cathedral of Trois-Rivières
The Cathedral of the Assumption of Trois-Rivières is the largest religious building in the region. Built in 1858, the cathedral is renowned for its stained glass windows retracing the life of the Virgin Mary.
Pop Museum
The POP museum is the Quebec museum of popular culture. This museum has several exhibits, some permanent, some temporary. The goal is to familiarize people passing through with popular Quebec culture. During our visit, we were able to attend an exhibition retracing the history of beer in Quebec, a region in which microbreweries are very numerous and are part of the daily life of Quebecers.
Useful informationOpening Hours:
Summer: Every day from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Winter: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 16 p.m. or 17 p.m.
Price: $ 13 CAD
Website : museepop.ca
Old Prison of Trois-Rivières
Very close to the POP museum (access is also from the POP museum), the old prison is a real must in Trois-Rivières. A visit to this prison is an experience in its own right that I strongly advise you to try.
The old prison of Trois-Rivières is one of the oldest in Quebec. It was built in 1822 and remained in service until 1986. When it closed, it was the oldest penal institution in Canada.
I had the chance to take a guided tour of the prison by a former prisoner. An incredible visit that makes us understand and feel the immense distress in which the prisoners entering this prison could be. Particularly difficult living conditions in this prison where more than a hundred prisoners sometimes lived for a prison initially designed for a quarantine.
During the visit, you will go through the different blocks, corridors, cells and refectory of the prison. A prison that has remained almost unchanged since its closure.
Opening Hours:
Summer: Every day from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Winter: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Price: $ 15 CAD
Website : museepop.ca/vieille-prison
Boréalis Museum and papermaking history of Trois-Rivières
As said before, the history of Trois-Rivière was marked, even today, by the production of paper. Two factories are still in operation in Trois-Rivières, the third and largest, Canadian International Paper, having closed in 1992.
This gave way, not long ago, to a huge land in the process of being redeveloped which gives way to the Cogeco Amphitheater but also to the Boréalis Museum. This museum retraces the papermaking history of Trois-Rivières as well as the stages of papermaking. A very interesting museum that makes us understand the whole manufacturing process, from cutting and transporting the wood in the forests of the North, to making the paper. The museum is located in an old factory building used at the time to pump and filter water from the river.
In this museum, you will discover the miniature replica (of an already impressive size) of a machine used to manufacture paper. You will even have the chance to make your own sheet of paper! A visit that I highly recommend to better understand the history of Trois-Rivières.
Opening Hours:
Summer: Every day from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m.
Winter: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Price: $ 14 CAD
Website : borealis3r.ca
Maikan Aventure
Maikan Aventure is an activity center that will undoubtedly appeal to families. This center offers different activities depending on the season. Having traveled in winter, I was able to try ice climbing for the first time. Two imposing candles about 15m high allow you to try the experience of ice climbing. Maikan Aventure also has one of the largest indoor climbing walls in Quebec. In summer, you can go kayaking, paddle boarding or even rabaska, these large canoes used in the past to explore Canadian territory.
Useful informationOpening Hours: Monday to Thursday from 16 p.m. to 22 p.m., Friday from 13 p.m. to 22 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 17 p.m.
Price: Depends on activities
Website : maikan.ca
To find out more about the activities you can do in winter in Quebec, I invite you to read our dedicated article: 21 activities to do in winter in Quebec !
Île Saint-Quentin, the leisure island in the heart of Trois-Rivières
Saint-Quentin Island is none other than one of the islands located at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River. This island is exclusively dedicated to leisure activities and welcomes, throughout the year, families, locals and tourists passing through the city. Visiting Trois-Rivières inevitably means going to Île Saint-Quentin.
The activities are numerous, in winter you can practice snowshoeing, fat biking or ice skating, all on a track several kilometers long. Forget these ice rinks that make you turn in circles, it's nearly 4 kilometers of ice track that will be open to you. It will also be possible to try your hand at ice sliding.
In summer, the island has a small beach allowing you to enjoy sunny days and even swim in the river. It will be possible to go camping on the island, mountain biking or attend a movie or a play in the open air.
Opening Hours:
Winter: Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 16:30 p.m.
Summer: Every day from 9 a.m. to 21 p.m.
Price: 5$ CAD + Equipment rental
Website : ilesaintquentin.com
The sugar shack, Chez Dany
Located in the Pointe-du-Lac sector, the sugar shack at Dany's is a maple grove that harvests and sells maple syrup and in which it is possible to enjoy a traditional meal and taffy on snow. A sugar shack is none other than the place where, even today, workers and lumberjacks meet in winter to enjoy a traditional meal. In general, these are only open at the end of winter, when the maple sap is harvested.
The sugar shack, Chez Dany is open all year round and allows passing tourists to enjoy a meal in the most typical atmosphere.
Opening Hours: Everyday.
Website : cabanechezdany.com
Kinipi Nordic SPA of Trois-Rivières
After sport and outdoor activities, let's now move on to relaxation! If you are traveling in winter in Quebec, you absolutely must go to a spa. The spa in Quebec is a real experience. After having had the chance to go to SPA Bota Bota in Montreal, I went to Kinipi SPA Nordique in Trois-Rivières. A magical place where, by -15 degrees outside, you can enjoy hot baths, sauna, hammam and relaxation areas to recover from your day and take a break during your trip.
Kinipi Spa Nordique also offers accommodation and a restaurant where you can eat between two thermal activities.
Opening Hours: Everyday.
Price: Starting at $ 38 CAD
Website : kinipi.ca
Cruise on the St. Lawrence from Trois-Rivières
Now let's talk briefly about two activities that I unfortunately didn't have the chance to do. The first, the cruise on the St. Lawrence, is simply not available in winter. Cruises on the St. Lawrence, as well as around the islands at the mouth of the Saint-Maurice River, begin in June for the summer season.
If you ever go to Trois-Rivières in the summer, then a cruise on the St. Lawrence can be a good way to visit Trois-Rivières in a different way.
Seaplane or hydraski flight over La Mauricie National Park
The second activity, which I was also unable to do due to bad weather, is the flight over La Mauricie National Park. This is available in winter, via a hydroski, and in summer, by seaplane. This flight over La Mauricie National Park takes place from Trois-Rivières.
Short trip to Pointe-Du-Lac
Pointe-du-lac is a small community which, since 2002, belongs to the municipality of Trois-Rivières. This small village located on the shores of Lake Saint-Pierre is a small haven of peace where it could be interesting to go and spend a day or half a day there.
Several things to do, such as taking advantage of the "Plein Air Ville-Joie": an outdoor base where you will be able to carry out various activities, but also to go for a walk at the seigneurial mill dating from 1721.
It is in this locality that the famous sugar shack, Chez Dany, which I told you about just above, is located. This place is, of course, quieter in winter since lakeside activities are not available and the seigneurial mill is closed.
Popular festivals and events in Trois-Rivières
The city of Trois-Rivières offers many events and festivals. Even though these mostly take place in the summer, we had the chance to visit Trois-Rivières during the Banff Mountain Film Festival tour. An evening to discover 9 short and feature films, each more surprising than the next, on expeditions of all kinds in the mountains. If this interests you, I highly recommend taking a look at the Banff Mountain Film Festival website.
The main festivals that you can find in Trois-Rivières are:
- The carnival of districts, takes place in January – February
- The Circle of the Sun Tribute series, takes place in July – August
- Danse Encore International Festival, takes place in June
- FestiVoix de Trois-Rivières, a music festival that welcomes renowned musicians and groups every year, takes place in June – July
- Agricultural Exhibition of Trois-Rivières, takes place in July
- Meeting of the woodsmen of Trois-Rivières, takes place in July
- The Trois-Rivières Grand Prix, GP3R races, Nascar, etc., take place in August
- Festival of the Assumption, takes place in August
- The Mauricie International Canoe Classic, takes place in September
- blues festival
- Beer and Poutine Festival
- International Poetry Festival.
- And other festivals to be found on the official website of Trois-Rivières.
Where to sleep in Trois-Rivière?
Hotel OuiGo!
Now let's move on to housing. I will only tell you about one accommodation here, the one in which I had the chance to stay: the OuiGo hotel!
Hotel OuiGo! is one of the most popular in Trois-Rivières and for good reason, it offers very good quality rooms, a wonderful breakfast and above all, an ideal location.
Located at the intersection of rue Notre Dame and rue des Forges, the hotel's location is a perfect place to sleep in Trois-Rivières since it allows you to reach almost all the places of interest on foot. You will find a few minutes walk from the hotel many bars, cafes and restaurants but also the port and the old Trois-Rivières. The Pop, Boréalis museums and the former prison are also within walking distance, in a few minutes walk.
As for the interior of the hotel, it is refined, in a modern and sober design. The rooms are spacious and very well equipped.
The breakfast will undoubtedly be my favorite of the stay at the OuiGo hotel! A wide choice of dishes, fruits, yogurts and pastries are on the menu.
Address : 1413, rue Notre-Dame Center – Trois-Rivières
Contact : [email protected]
Website : hotelouigo.com
Visit Trois-Rivières: Good addresses in Trois-Rivières
After 3 days spent visiting Trois-Rivières, we were able to test a few bars, restaurants and cafes. Let me tell you about those that have impressed us the most and that I recommend to you.
Time for a Pint
The first place I would tell you about is a cafe/bar/restaurant that has two specialties. The first: the beers. The second: coffee.
Le Temps d'une Pinte is a micro brewery like there are many in Quebec. You can therefore taste different beers made on site!
This bar took place in a building used for coffee roasting. Not wanting to lose this soul, the owners decided to keep this originality and continue, even today, to roast their own coffee.
In addition, this bar / café offers meals, lunch and dinner, of high quality. I highly recommend this place for a coffee, a beer or a meal.
Address : 1465, rue Notre-Dame Center – Trois-Rivières
Website : letempsdunepinte.ca
frida coffee
Café Frida is a trendy café in Trois-Rivières that offers a 100% vegan menu. Importance is given to the fair and ethical origin of the products used. You will find a wide choice of snacks, waffles, coffees as well as brunch.
Useful informationAddress : 15, RUE DES FORGES – TROIS-RIVIÈRES
Website : cafefrida.ca
The Coffee Tree
The coffee tree is a coffee that has the particularity of roasting the available coffee itself. A wide choice of coffee but also cookies, brownies, muffins and bagels. A calm and warm place to warm up a little in winter.
Useful informationAddress : 45 Saint Antoine Street – Trois-Rivières
Website : cafeier.ca
Rest-Bar World
The Mondo Resto-Bar is a restaurant offering all kinds of Italian dishes with a wide choice of pasta and pizza, but also burgers, Fish & Chips as well as more exotic dishes. A good place to spend an evening and eat.
Useful informationAddress : 120, Rue des Forges – Trois-Rivières
Website : trois-rivieres.mondorestobar.com
My opinion on my visit to Trois-Rivières in Quebec
Visiting Trois-Rivières really surprised me. My trip having taken place in winter, the least favorable season for exploring cities in Quebec, I feared that I would end up visiting Trois-Rivières. I was surprised by the variety of things to do in Trois-Rivières. The city offers a wide choice of activities such as visiting many museums and historical sites, but also outdoor activities such as Saint-Quentin Island or Maikan Aventure. Trois-Rivières is a city that I would like to visit in the summer given the number of events that take place there. Depending on your road trip itinerary in Quebec, a stopover of a few days in Trois-Rivières may really be worth considering. A break in a trip that leaves you little time to rest. Trois-Rivières is a city that will particularly appeal to children given the number of fun activities it offers.
Some of these activities are the result of a partnership with Tourisme Trois-Rivières, which I would like to thank. This partnership in no way affects the objectivity of this article.
